Verdict

Chabal was first past the post in the Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown in 2010 but lost the race in the stewards' room. He only ran twice more for Godolphin but will be a threat to all here if fully wound-up after a long absence. Edmaaj won three times on soft ground on the Flat for David O'Meara last year and is another interesting recruit to hurdling as is Watered Silk, successful four times on the level so far. But we'll take a chance on another newcomer, THE TIGER, a rare runner over hurdles for Ed Dunlop. He also likes ground with plenty of give and looks to have the size to do well under NH Rules. French import Ubaldo Des Menhies was second in a jumpers' bumper at Kempton last time and should also be winning soon.

Formwatch

Ubaldo Des Menhies (FR) 12-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Cousin Khee (11-0) at Kempton 2m n h flat (4) std in Dec.

Riddlestown (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Keen held up, headway to chase leaders 3 out, ridden next, weakened flat, 6th of 10, 18l behind Ericht (10-4) at Fakenham 2m 4f NH mdn hdl (5) sft in Dec.

Edmaaj (IRE) 8-1 (9-8) Tracked leaders, challenged 3f out, led 2f out, strongly pressed inside final furlong, held on, won at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) sft in Aug beating Scrapper Smith (9-3) by ns, 13 ran (flat).

The Tiger 18-1 (8-5) Dwelt, held up towards rear, ridden over 1f out, some headway, never a factor, 16th of 23, 14l behind Art Scholar (8-7) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) gd in Nov (flat).

Watered Silk 15-2 (9-3) Slowly into stride mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on to go 2nd post, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Emerald Wilderness (9-2) at Yarmouth 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Sep (flat).

Chabal (IRE) 10-11fav (9-0) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed just inside final furlong, kept on but no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Wigmore Hall (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 2f con stks (3) gd in Aug '10 (flat).